Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a quick and elegant dinner you can whip up on a weeknight or serve for a special occasion. The salmon is baked to perfection—flaky and tender—while the buttery, tangy sauce elevates every bite. It’s the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish pairs perfectly baked salmon with a rich and creamy lemon sauce that’s bright, zesty, and luxurious. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant!

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

• Easy and Quick: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Rich and Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce is creamy and tangy, complementing the salmon perfectly.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with omega-3s and essential nutrients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets (4 pieces, 6 oz each): Fresh or thawed, skin on or off.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For coating the salmon.
• Salt (½ tsp): For seasoning.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): To taste.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): For extra flavor.
• Lemon Slices (for garnish): Adds freshness.

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

• Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce creamy.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Adds flavor and thins the sauce.
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): For a tangy kick.
• Lemon Zest (1 tsp): Brightens the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): For an extra savory touch.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Let’s Make Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Salmon
   • Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning evenly over the fillets.
3. Bake the Salmon
   • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
   • While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Plate and Garnish
   • Place the baked salmon on plates, and spoon the lemon butter cream sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

What to Serve with This Salmon Dish

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli work beautifully.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty side.
• Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: To soak up the sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Tips for the Best Baked Salmon

• Don’t Overbake: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor.
• Room Temperature Salmon: Let the fillets sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen salmon?
  Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and gently reheat it before serving.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream?
  You can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option.

Conclusion
This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a delicious, foolproof meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and big flavor, it’s bound to become one of your go-to salmon recipes!

Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos. Enjoy!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American/European

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 320mg

Print